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The type of operating system you choose can have a significant effect on your user experience and abilities. This week’s blog covers the difference between the two most popular operating systems: Windows and Linux. Learn more about each system’s strengths and weaknesses and contact us to share your reasoning for choosing your OS.

Licensing

Linux operating systems are open sourced, so users can adjust the code manually to better meet their needs. This platform can make it easier to customize your technology as well as update it to fight off bugs faster. Linux’s open licensing allows these updates to be republished or sold and software can be purchased once and utilized across multiple devices. Some of the versions of this platform can even be tested without being installed, allowing users to try before they buy. Windows, however, doesn’t allow users to change the code. This prevents attackers from accessing the system and some consider it to be more user-friendly. The installation itself takes more time than Linux’s but has fewer requirements. However, each individual user is required to purchase their own software license, which increases expenses.

Support

Linux support is mostly provided through online communities’ forums and websites. A majority of issues already have information available, but if the issue is more complex, it might take hours or days for someone to provide a solution. If you are looking for professional help, it is important to know that there are fewer companies who provide support contracts for this platform. When utilizing a Microsoft system, there are also a variety of online support forums to rely on. For professional assistance, Microsoft offers a support contract.

Administration

For IT Administrators, the command line is a powerful tool used to administrate the system. Although both systems offer the command prompt, Linux’s prompt has many more applications than the simple prompts available to Microsoft offers. Additionally, Linux allows an administrator to add, edit, or remove an application or group of applications from a single location. Although cloud computing is making this process easier with Windows, some applications require updates at each, individual workstation.

Applications

Because Microsoft is a more popular platform, most applications are tailored to accommodate this OS. This means that while popular software will be Linux-compatible, not all applications will be accessible. To counter this, users have created alternative applications that can be used to support Windows software. While some of these mimicked applications are similar, many are considered to be lower quality.

Security

The Linux system provides a more secure environment because of its access controls. This control enables users to have limited access to the data of other system users. Giving administrative access to a limited number of users prevents the spread of viruses throughout the system. Also, because Linux users are considered more technically savvy, it is assumed that while they’re editing codes they could detect viruses early. In contrast, Windows systems are targeted by more cyber-threats. Thankfully, a majority of defensive software is designed for this type of system. Because Microsoft has more software available, there are more options for prices and coverage.

User Experience

With the span of Microsoft’s programs and operating system, it can cause applications and programs to load more slowly than on Linux’s platform. Linux was designed more recently, so it was created with speed and functionality in mind. However, because Microsoft has been operating for much longer than Linux, it has had time to improve its product based on user feedback.

Overall, each operating system has its own costs and benefits. For users who are tech-savvy and like to administrate their own systems, Linux is a good fit. Microsoft is recommended for users who are comfortable with Windows and don’t have technology intensive roles. Contact our team today to discuss which hardware and software will best benefit your business!